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Friday, November 28, 2014

~ Symposium: As Time Goes By ~

Hello Everyone! Welcome to My November Symposium!

This month is a time for reflection. 2014 has been filled with so many wonderful moments and memories, so I’ve asked my friends and fellow authors to discuss what they are thankful for this year. Read on and find out what everyone had to say!

LAURIE
ROMA: I have so much to be grateful for
this year! First, I have to say thank you to all my wonderful readers for
letting me entertain you. It’s been amazing to hear how many of you enjoy the
stories I create. I love hearing from each and every one of you who have
written to me, and appreciate all of you who have taken the time out of your
busy schedules to write reviews for my books. I also want to say how grateful I
am to my author friends. Thank you for all the late night chat sessions and for
being such an amazing support system! On a personal note, I would like to say
that what I am most grateful for is my mother. For those of you who don’t know,
my mother was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma (bone cancer) and she
has just started her chemo treatments, which will be followed by stem cell
transplant surgery in a few months. My mother is one of the sweetest women in
the world, but she is also my most devoted supporter, greatest ally and my best
friend. I am so grateful to have her in my life, and know she will kick this
cancer’s ass. Mom, thank you for being you.

Officer
Skylar Aris is a woman with a troubled past. As a Class-A Conduit, she is
beautiful and deadly, making her stand out among the rest of the elite
soldiers. She has worked hard to succeed as one of the only female
interrogators in the Security and Interrogation Division, but everything she
has dreamed of is put in jeopardy when she’s given an ultimatum that will
change her fate.

Strong and
dominant, Director Dominic Stryker is a man who doesn’t let anything stand in
his way. When he meets Skylar, he knows she’s the woman he wants to claim, but
he never expected she’d also be destined to belong to his best friend, D’Aire
Ambassador Arik V’Dir. Two Alpha males, Dom and Arik don’t want to share, but
they realize that it’s the only way they can have Skylar...if they can get her
to agree.

When a
mission forces Skylar to deal with her past, Dom and Arik are determined to
stand by her side. But discovering where she comes from changes everything.
Will their love be enough to give her salvation, or will the truth shatter
their bond and take her beyond their reach?

KALLYPSO
MASTERS: Sometimes not a lot of time has to go by to make a profound effect on
your life. This summer, my body warned me of a problem that resulted in a
diagnosis of uterine cancer on Sept. 13. Met my surgeon the 17th and underwent
surgery for a complete abdominal hysterectomy the next day. My surgeon
saw how important it my first-ever KallypsoCon was to me and that missing it
would be detrimental to my recovery, so he sped everything up. And three weeks
after beating cancer’s ass (yes, I’m cancer free!), I was at my con surrounded
by 75 readers and seven author friends—the best medicine. Even my hubby
commented on how much healing had taken place in such a short time. The love,
prayers, and positive energy of family and friends (even my virtual ones in
social media) have healing powers beyond measure. And the love exuded by
Romance readers and writers can’t be found anywhere else!

Ryder Wilson
returned from serving multiple deployments but can't leave the hell of combat behind
him. Frustrated and ashamed of his inability to function in the world as well
as the veterans he served with, he retreated from the world, choosing to engage
only with those he trusted. When retired Master Sergeant Adam Montague sends
him on a mission to protect his sister from some unknown danger, Ryder's days
of hiding out may be over. Can he fulfill his mission without failing again?

Megan
Gallagher has two big brother Marines bent on protecting her from the evils of
the world, but she's tougher than they think. When her brother sends one of his
recon Marines to her doorstep in the wee hours one night following a break-in
at her studio, she realizes Ryder needs rescuing more than she does. A
friendship forms quickly, but unexpected passions run hot and complicate her
resolve never to have a relationship, much less marriage, with a man. Then why
are her body and her heart betraying her every time he comes near?

Can these
two wounded people lower their defenses long enough to allow love to grow?

N.J. WALTERS:The holidays are upon us, and it’s a good time of year to give thanks for every
wonderful thing in life. This past year has been challenging for me in many
ways. In spite of many dark days, I’ve been grateful for the support of my
family and friends. They’ve been there for me when I needed them the most.
That’s worth more than gold. I’m also grateful that I’ve been able to make a
living from my writing for the past ten years. Thank you to everyone who has
ever purchased one of my books. And thank you to all the special readers who
have supported my work from day one and continue to spread the word about my
books. There are not enough words to thank you for your kindness.

She’s run
right into the arms of the big bad wolf.

Considered
an abomination for her inability to shift, Cherise Michaels has been on the run
from her pack since she was a teenager. After her mother is murdered by her
former packmates, Cherise is alone, grieving and out of options. Until a dream
puts her on course toward her last hope—Salvation, North Carolina.

She makes it
to Salvation only to be cornered by her pursuers and then rescued by the
biggest, baddest werewolf she’s ever seen.

Cole
Blanchard has no trouble dispatching the intruders trespassing on pack land.
Convincing their skittish quarry she’s safe is another story. Cole senses she
is his mate and he’ll protect her to his last breath, even it means risking
everything to face her former pack.

In Cole’s
arms, Cherise learns there’s something in this world more powerful than
fear—desire and love. She knows loving her is a death sentence for Cole, so she
plans to store up a lifetime of memories before she lets him go…

LACEY THORN:
I can’t believe we’re already at the end of 2014. What an amazing year! I’m so
thankful for the love and support of my readers. I’m blessed with amazing kids,
a great extended family, and the best friends in the world. I made a huge
professional step in 2014 and became a full time author and, somehow, I’ve
managed to survive. The professional highlight of my year was releasing my
brand new paranormal series, Awakening Pride. I updated both my website and my
blog and started a group page on Facebook to keep in touch with readers. I’m so
happy with how things have worked in 2014, and I’m excited for the
opportunities 2015 holds.

Brenna has
always been a little on the shy side, or maybe she just feels overshadowed by
her more outgoing best friend. Either way, enough is enough. This Halloween,
she’s going to have some fun with one of the three hunks she’s had a crush on
forever. The only question is—which one might be interested in her?

Scott,
Travis and Kyle have been the best of friends most of their lives. None of them
really planned on coming back to their hometown or finding little Brenna all
grown up and sexy as hell. They all want her, and no one is willing to walk
away.

A full moon,
candlelight and the casting of a spell will make this Halloween one none of
them will ever forget.

SUSAN HAYES:
I’ve got a lot to be thankful for this year, but when it came time to write
this entry, two things really stood out for me: my readers, and my friends. To
know that there are people out there who have lost themselves in my words and
walked in the worlds I created is an amazing thing. My readers are a gift, and I
am grateful to them for their support. I’m also
thankful for the true blue friends I’ve found inside the writing world. I’ve
learned the hard way just how cutthroat this business can be, and it’s taught
me to value the rare few who are willing to guard my back, laugh at my jokes,
and push me to be the best writer, and person, I can be. I’m truly blessed to have them in my life.

Nick Wilde
is a man content with his life. Business at his tattoo shop is booming, and
he’s never lacking for friends or female company. But when he meets Lia, he
knows everything will change...

A moment’s flirtation and a kiss in the dark
leaves Nick wanting more. When his Cinderella vanishes before the night is
over, she leaves him nothing but her name and the memory of a kiss he can’t
forget.

Chicago
Police Detective Lia Archer’s life doesn’t have room for distractions, and
that’s exactly what Nick Wilde is. He’s sexy, charming, and a threat to
everything she’s worked so hard to achieve. She ran out on him once, but when
Nick reappears in her life, he’s determined not to make it easy for her to
vanish on him again.

When past
decisions and old secrets come back to haunt them, will the fairytale end, or
will they find a way to reclaim their Happily Ever After?

JENIKA SNOW:
This year I am grateful for my health, my family, my wonderful readers, and of
course being able to do something that has always been my dream. Writing has
been something I have always enjoyed, even as a little girl. It started off as
a hobby when I got published, because I never thought there would be anyone
that actually wanted to read my work. To say that I am finally able to live my
dream is an understatement, and that there are readers that look forward to me
next release means the world to me. It is because of those readers that I am
able to do what I am doing. So, thank you for allowing me to be where I am, for
your support and wonderful words. I write not only for myself and my family,
but for you as well.

She is
forbidden, but that doesn't stop Lucien from wanting her.

Lucien
Silver is the president of The Brothers of Menace MC. He knows he screwed up
three months ago by letting the daughter of the VP of his club stay at his
house one night. Callie is young and off limits, and although nothing happened
between them, he should have told her father, Kink. Lucien may want Callie
desperately, but having her would be a betrayal of Kink and the club.

Callie wants
Lucien, and she knows he wants her, too. But being with him would cause bad
blood between her dad and Lucien. She doesn't want club relationships ruined,
but her feelings for him grow, and Callie knows she can't stay away.

When Kink
catches Lucien with Callie together all hell breaks loose. Lifelong friendships
are tested, blood is spilled, and anger and pain entwine. Lucien and Callie
must decide if being together is worth it all.

SAM
CRESCENT: I can’t believe we’re closing in on the end of 2014. I’ve got so much
to be thankful for this year. First, and foremost I’ve got my readers. They
have been so amazing, wonderful, sweet, dear, and what can I say, there really
isn’t enough good things to say about you guys. You’re all truly amazing. Your
support of my work is what keeps me writing. I love you all. I would also
like to thank my wonderful publishers for making this such a brilliant year.
From the moment I started writing, I always wanted to write a big book.
Revenge, gave me everything I’ve wanted to achieve. This year has been fantastic and it’s down to
so many amazing people, authors, books, events, truly thank you to everyone.

Gonzalez is
gone, but the damage has already been done.

Whizz has
been to hell and back, and he doesn’t live life anymore. The demons of the past
are never too far behind—until she enters his life. Lacey makes him feel again.
She makes him want to live, to breathe, to be part of life. But she’s the
enemy, and he’s just helped to wipe out the whole of her club. Still, no matter
what happens, he can’t let her go.

Lacey knows
what it’s like to be broken. She recognizes the pain inside Whizz, and she
hates to see him like this. There’s no way she should love the man who helped
to take away her club family, but she does. He makes her want things she can
never have.

Can Lacey
get over her hatred of The Skulls to finally accept her love for Whizz? What
will happen when Whizz’s nightmares almost bring him to kill Lacey? Will the
club stand behind his decision to love a woman who almost got them all killed?

ROSANNA LEO:
Thanks once again to Laurie Roma for being a generous and excellent hostess.
Muah! As we ponder the things that make us thankful, I realize I have quite a
lot. Healthy and happy family, fan support, great publishers. However, what I’m
thankful for right now is my first rejection letter. Sound strange? Well, I
recently came across it and gave it a good read. The advice in that first
rejection was valid and taught me a lot. In fact, I don’t think I’d be where I
am without it. Because of this honest and caring gift of feedback, I was able
to transform my writing and make it more enjoyable and meaningful. I know it
was hard to read for the first time all those years ago, but I’m glad I
absorbed the info and so glad I remained open-minded. It started my writing
career.

For years,
wolf shifter Bart Cairo has harbored secret feelings for his co-worker,
Charlotte Moffatt. Even though he thinks he’s been discreet with his
affections, everyone at Gemini Island’s Ursa Fishing Lodge knows he and
Charlotte, a fellow wolf shifter, are meant to be mates. Everyone but
Charlotte.

Charlotte
couldn’t be less interested in mating. A free spirit, she wants nothing more
than to succeed at her new career in the big city and leave small-town Gemini
Island behind. However, she can’t deny Bart stirs up unwanted emotions inside
her. Emotions she swore she’d never feel again.

The occasion
of Bart’s family reunion compels him to assume new responsibilities, and to
consider a role he never envisioned for himself. Family tensions rise to the
surface as a new Alpha is proclaimed in his pack. And when old grudges
escalate, Bart must stake his claim.

Charlotte
resists as he stakes a claim on her as well. But when he begins to employ
sexual tactics of temptation, she wonders if the only solution is submission to
the enticing wolf man. Can she trust her heart again? And can they find their
happy ending before an enemy cuts their story short?

WILLOW
BROOKE: On most occasions, the things I am most thankful fall under two
categories- family and my work. After a
few life altering events that have recently transpired, I have one more to add
to my list that has become a major part of my life—friends. The writing community has opened their arms
and given me the support and encouragement to follow my dreams, but so much
more than that. I have the bestest
friends a girl could ever ask for and the pouring of love given during the
struggles life has tossed my way have been indescribable. Thank you, from the
bottom of my heart. May we all write bestselling
novels, make it to the top, and continue to lend a hand to those who need it
most. Happy Thanksgiving and much love
and hugs everyone!

In book one
of Southern Bred Series: My name is Jase Brannon, cowboy, redneck, and bona
fide ladies’ man. I’ve been in love with my high school sweetheart since our
freshman year. We had what one would call the perfect high school textbook
romance with the follow-in-our-folks'-footsteps normal future to follow.

I’m a farm
boy, born and raised. Shelly comes from the same roots I do but wanted to get
her education in Agricultural advertising to help modernize our simple ways by
attending the university after graduation. To me, it wasn’t a big deal. We live
in an age of internet and enough modern technology there are ways to endure any
long distance relationship. Perfect, right?

I’ve known
Layla Jenson as far back as I can remember. She's the tomgirl out climbing
trees and slinging mud pies without batting her pretty little eyelashes at the
thought of getting a little dirty. From pigtails to cowboy boots, Layla has
bloomed into a pure beauty with curves in all the right places.

Wanna know
how I know? Well catastrophe at the hands of a ‘group effort’ hits, causing
Layla to come into my sights. That is when my world changes…

I’m Layla
Jenson, small town girl born and raised who can shoot the wings off a fly and
bake the best pie in the county. I’ve also had my peepers on one certain sexy
cowboy whose sweet southern drawl could charm the pants off a nun and I've loved
him since he swapped his Tonka truck for a Dodge 4x4. One night I get the night
of my dreams—or nightmares depending how you look at it—when I give him the
most sacred of gifts, only to be chalked up to a drunk romp by the redneck
Romeo himself, leaving me with knowledge that my notions were made out of a
wild childhood fantasy.

This book
contains backwoods bonfires, huntin’, fishin’, drinkin’, and getting down and
dirty in the mud holes. If you can handle hot cowboys with a sexy southern
drawl, then hop up on for a ride! Don’t tip the dip cup and come kick it in the
sticks!

VELLA DAY: I
am most thankful for all the wonderful indie authors who’ve been amazingly
helpful in my first year of self-pubbing. I’ve learned about pricing
strategies, pre-orders, blurbs, series length, you name it. That might not
sound very glamorous to many of you, but without their help (and you know who
are), I wouldn’t be where I am today. I have hope, a plan, and a purpose. My
goal this year is to give back as much as I can.

The goal is
freedom but at what cost?

The head of
The Packs’ opposition hires Ty and Ford Summerville, twin werewolves and former
military men, to ensure the secret Colter lab remains impenetrable. Their job
seems simple until they are told to escort Bailey Nash to another facility for
further testing. As soon as they meet the sexy siren, trouble ensues. Their
bodies explode with a need to protect her and a lust so strong they can barely
function. They’re totally stymied by this radical reaction and are forced to
conclude Bailey must be their mate. The timing couldn’t be worse. Many will die
if they fail to deliver her to the location, but if they do, her death will be
slow and painful.

When they
explain to Bailey they plan to take her away from there, she sees no reason to
trust them. Sure, they’re incredibly handsome men with solid muscle, but two
others just like them had kidnapped her and her sister. That was how she ended
up in this godforsaken place. She isn’t interested in cooperating. Rather, Bailey
needs to find a way to free her sister—even if it means doing it herself.

With her
life and many others on the line, what will the men have to do to convince
Bailey that she may not survive without them?

OLIVIA
BLACK: This year has been a rollercoaster of wonderful events. My first ManLove
book, The Alpha’s Mate, was accepted by Siren Publishing and came out in
November 2013. My writing career changed then. I went from Alicia White (M/F/M)
to Olivia Black (M/M) and I’ve never been happier. I’m incredibly grateful to
all the readers out there that have welcomed me with open arms. I appreciate
all the kindness, support, and love. This year, I’ve written twenty books and
there will be many, many more in the future.

Oliver Davis
lives in a rundown neighborhood, in a bad part of town where drugs and
prostitution are prevalent. He's spent his life on the streets, living the only
way he knows how, by selling his body for cash. When a PI arrives at his corner
with a manila envelope, Oliver is skeptical until he opens it. His entire life
changes in a matter of seconds.

Hank Ramsey
is the sheriff in the no-name town outside of Telluride, Colorado. He loves his
job. The only busy nights are spent dealing the occasional drunk. When he goes
out to the ranch to talk to Oliver about a fight at Marilyn’s, the man manages
to push all of Hank’s buttons. He takes Oliver to jail for the night to teach
the young man a lesson, but things quickly take a turn for the worse when
Oliver tries to seduce him.

MARLA
MONROE: It’s sad that we only count our blessings at Thanksgiving. I’m trying
to count my blessings every day now because I know what it is to have few in my
life. Not anymore. I’m so blessed to have my parents still with me. My dad has
been at death’s door many times. He wasn’t finished here yet, and I’m thankful
every day to have him. My mom is declining so fast I can see a change nearly
every day. I’m so thankful to still have her with me this Thanksgiving. My
brother and his family are always a blessing with their larger than life loving
attitudes. I am thankful for them and their support. Most of all, I’m thankful
that I had four wonderful years with my parents living with me before they
began to decline. They have been the best years of my life. I’ll cherish them
always.

Sierra is in
over her head. She has more responsibilities than she can handle, two sisters
in college, and a ranch under foreclosure.

All she’s
been able to do for the last eight years is take care of everyone else.

Rollan and
Thorne are new to the area but are instantly attracted to Sierra, with her
quiet strength and sensual beauty. More than anything, they want to see her
happy. When they find out she’s being blackmailed with her ranch, the men come
up with a plan where they can spend more time trying to convince her that they
are meant to be a family.

Sierra’s
unexpected attraction to the two men is baffling. She’s afraid to trust her
instincts where they’re concerned but accepts their offer of help, putting
herself close enough to get burned. Are Rollan and Thorne the answer to her
prayers, or will they be her downfall?

KASI
ALEXANDER: I am thankful for a lot of things in my life, primarily my family
and my author and reader friends, who give me encouragement, support, and great
advice. I love being part of the romance community and getting the chance to
meet such wonderful people. It hasn’t
been an easy year but I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow
professionally and personally. Life doesn't always go the way you expect it to,
but it does tend to work out for the best in the long run! I’m very
grateful for the chance to put out anthologies with the other members of my
family and Naughty Ever After. It's very exciting to be able to branch out in
new ways and start new projects. I'm looking forward to getting out lots of new
stuff in the near future!

KALI ARGENT:2014 has been a crazy year for me. I made career-altering decisions, found new
friends, and learned the beauty of creating time for myself. Despite some
setbacks, I have a lot to be thankful for this year. For instance, I’m thankful
for my husband. As a former Marine, he’s big and intimidating on the outside,
but a complete marshmallow on the inside. He’s my biggest fan and my best
friend and my most trusted advisor. I’m grateful my children have the
opportunities I never did, and also, for friends who understand and support me,
even when my ideas are crazy. And every single day, I’m thankful that I get to
sit down at my computer and live a dream doing a job I love. Happy
Thanksgiving!

Sometimes,
new beginnings come from unexpected places.

To Cecily
Baker, being unattached means making her own decisions, living by her own
rules, and never answering to anyone. So when her sister drags her to a singles
night at a local club—and then ditches her—it only strengthens Cecily’s
conviction that dating just isn’t for her.

Pulling
double duty as a bouncer and a bartender, Rafe Serento has seen a parade of
beautiful women walk through the doors of Electric Mist, but he’s never met
anyone like Cecily. Lovely in every sense of the word, and just as stubborn,
she challenges everything he thought he wanted in a relationship.

The more
Cecily pushes him away, though, the harder Rafe pushes back, and unless they
find some common ground, they’ll both end up Alone.